There will be a three-way tussle for the Devizes Town Council seat vacated by mayor elect Jim Gudgeon.

As a result of his resignation, days after he was re-elected in May, a by-election will be held on July 18.

Three candidates are standing for the seat in east ward: Ray Parsons for the Conservatives; Andy Geddes for Devizes Guardians; and Amanda Hopgood for Labour.

Mr Parsons was a Devizes town councillor for 15 years but failed to be re-elected at the elections in May.

Ms Hopgood stood at the elections in May for both the town council, in south ward, and for Wiltshire Council in the Devizes and Roundway South seat.

Mr Geddes stood for Wiltshire Council in the Roundway seat, which was retained by Laura Mayes.

The political balance of Devizes Town Council swung in favour of Devizes Guardians at the elections in May. The Guardians have nine councillors, followed by the Conservatives with six. Ian Hopkins, Independent, is the other councillor.

Mr Gudgeon, a Conservative, resigned after he claimed Devizes Guardians leader and town councillor Nigel Carter told him they would put up their own candidate at the mayor-making ceremony if he did not agree to support their policies. Coun Carter denies this.

Coun Pete Smith, Devizes Guardians, became mayor.

Voting for the by-election will be from 7am-10pm in the polling station at Wyvern Club in Church Walk.